Category Archives:
Consultations

The controversial Solicitors Qualifying Exam has been hit by more concerns with the Justice Committee Calling for a 6 month hiatus whilst the concerns over the scheme are fully addressed . Access the Justice Committee letter here : Legal-Services-Board-SQE The following is what the SRA currently propose form their website : Why introduce the SQE? Our Training for Tomorrow programme

The SRA have announced a pivotal consultation which amongst other things proposes : A new Freelance Solicitor Category with lighter touch regulation Allowing Newly qualified solicitors to run a legal practice Proposals to require solicitors to publish their fees Requiring Solicitors to publish on their websites their complaint histories The proposals if fully implemented are likely to result in significant

The Yorkshire Union has distributed a list of forthcoming consultations for members . If Members wish to submit a response they can do so directly but equally Doncaster Law Society working with the Yorkshire Union can make submissions if you send them to us in good time . Consultation on sentencing guidelines: child cruelty Link Closing date for responses –

The SRA has announced that it will proceed with its proposals for a Single Qualifying Exam for New Solicitors . It looks like the full scheme will launch from 2020 and the SRA has take on board a number of concerns raised . It will start looking at changes to regulations required this year . There will be transitional arrangements

The Law Society has now issued a strong response to the AGFS ( Advocate Graduated Fee Scheme ) The response expresses our concerns that the proposals risk damaging the sustainability of the supplier base and do not promote compliance with ongoing initiatives such as Better Case Management. The society is concerned that the MoJ has based these proposals on a

The Government has decided to press ahead with most of its proposals . As a result the Small Claims Limit for motoring cases has been increased to £5000 depriving motorists and their passengers of legal advice in claims under this limit . The National Law Society responded as follows : A Law Society spokesperson said: “These changes will deprive motorists

The MOJ has now launched a consultation into the LGFS Fees for the Crown Court . This consultation proposes a cut on the PPE threshold ( page count ) from 10000 to 6000 . In addition where solicitors are currently paid by the Court at Private Rates for Court appointed cross examination it is suggested this would be reduced now

The Competition and Markets Authority has now published its report into the Legal Profession and whilst it has declined to commence a full investigation it has called for greater price transparency . Recommendations include : A requirement on providers to display information on price, service, redress and regulatory status to help potential customers. This would include publishing pricing information for

Members will be aware of a crucial consultation currently under way over restrictions to Personal Injury Work and changes to the small claims court access the consultation here : https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/reforming-soft-tissue-injury-claims/ This includes measures to limit pain suffering and loss of amenities claims or remove them . Increase the small claims limit to £5000 removing the ability to recover legal costs and

The SRA Consultation for a Single Qualification Exam closes on the 9th January 2017 . Doncaster Law Society is working with other Yorkshire Law Societies in the Yorkshire Union to file a response and your urgent input is required . To assist you we now attach the National Law Societies Response . the-law-societys-response-sqe-2 Please see below for our original post